It's somewhat incongruous that Houston-based designer Jonathan Tinkle could be so painfully shy while his designs are bold and forward-thinking. Case in point, his recent fall fashion extravaganza at the Omni Houston Hotel where the finale featured a model, not in a bridal gown but in all black evening wear walking with a wolf on leash. Trés dramatic.

Backstage, Tinkle at the last minute decided that he simply could not stride the catwalk, as had been planned, with the four-month-old tiger cub hired especially for the event. Instead, he barely peeked around the corner to resounding applause from the seriously fashion-conscious crowd.

Creating under the Jonathan Blake label, Tinkle presented a winter collection rich with leathers, furs and handbags in various animal skins. The leather touches on evening wear seemed to please the adoring crowd which eagerly applauded the young (only 22-years-old) designer. The show included 28 looks such as the mink and handmade Italian embroidery jacket with palazzo pants and the lamb suede and Nile crocodile zip jacket worn over a silk/wool gown.

The evening began with a lavish cocktail reception attended by several hundred fashionistas in the hotel lounge and moved to the ballroom for the fashion presentation.